FORTNA®, a global leader in automation, engineering services, and software for distribution operations, announced a significant investment from Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (“Lee Partners” or “THL”) to accelerate its growth trajectory. The recapitalization agreement, details of which remain undisclosed, marks a pivotal moment for FORTNA as it leverages Lee Partners’ expertise to expand its reach and enhance its offerings in the rapidly evolving landscape of warehouse automation.
Founded in 1946, FORTNA has established itself as a trusted partner for major global brands seeking to optimize their distribution networks. The company provides comprehensive solutions encompassing distribution strategy, operational design and implementation, advanced material handling automation, and sophisticated warehouse execution software systems. By focusing on innovation, FORTNA empowers businesses to achieve reduced operating costs, increased throughput, and superior service levels. With a strong international presence spanning North America, Europe, Latin America, and South Africa, FORTNA serves over 200 clients worldwide.
This strategic partnership with Lee Partners comes at a crucial time, driven by the exponential growth of e-commerce and the escalating demand for cutting-edge warehouse automation infrastructure. FORTNA recognized the need for a robust financial and strategic ally to capitalize on these market opportunities, including potential mergers and acquisitions and continued global expansion. Lee Partners, with its deep industry knowledge and substantial financial and operational resources, is poised to play a key role in bolstering FORTNA’s capabilities and accelerating its ambitious growth strategy.
John A. White III, President and CEO of FORTNA, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to partner with Lee Partners, whose operating resources, extensive automation expertise, and relationships will accelerate our next chapter of growth. This investment will create new opportunities for our associates and clients alike as FORTNA provides solutions that deliver exceptional flexibility, agility, and responsiveness to enable high-volume distribution centers.” He further emphasized the shared vision, “We look forward to working with Lee Partners as we continue executing on our mission to be the world leader in partnering with our clients to optimize their complex distribution operations.”
Thomas H. Lee Partners (THL) Logo representing their investment in FORTNA to enhance warehouse automation and distribution solutions.
Echoing this sentiment, Jim Carlisle, Managing Director at Lee Partners, commented, “We are thrilled about the opportunity to work with the talented FORTNA team. FORTNA has earned an impressive reputation as a leading provider of automation solutions to the warehouse and distribution end market, which is driven by its continued focus on technology innovation, leading engineering talent, and reliable, on-time delivery of advanced automation equipment and software to its clients. We are excited to invest in this outstanding organization and look forward to supporting FORTNA’s continued growth.”
The financial advisory for FORTNA in this transaction was provided by Citi, with legal counsel from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Lee Partners received legal counsel from Kirkland & Ellis LLP and accounting advisory from PricewaterhouseCoopers.
About FORTNA Inc.
For over seven decades, FORTNA has been a transformative force in distribution operations for leading global brands. The company’s commitment is to enable clients to consistently deliver on their promises of fast, accurate, and cost-effective fulfillment across all channels and touchpoints. FORTNA’s comprehensive expertise encompasses distribution strategy, distribution center operations, material handling automation, supply chain systems, and warehouse execution software systems. Further details are available at www.fortna.com.
About Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P.
Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (“Lee Partners”), a premier private equity firm, focuses on investing in high-growth companies headquartered in North America. Lee Partners strategically targets investments across four key sectors: Business & Financial Services, Consumer & Retail, Healthcare, and Media, Information Services & Technology. Since its inception in 1974, Lee Partners has raised over $25 billion in equity capital, invested in more than 140 companies, and executed over 360 add-on acquisitions, representing a total enterprise value at acquisition exceeding $200 billion. With dedicated sector and operating teams, Lee Partners brings substantial domain expertise and resources to foster growth, enhance operations, and generate long-term sustainable value in collaboration with management teams.
